Food for Progress Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Fiscal Year 2026

The Food for Progress Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Foreign Agricultural Service and is authorized under the Food Security Act of 1985. The program is designed to support developing countries and emerging democracies that are committed to expanding free enterprise within their agricultural sectors. Through this initiative, the federal government donates U.S. agricultural commodities to partner countries, which are then sold on local markets. The proceeds generated from these sales are reinvested into agricultural development activities that strengthen local economies and improve food systems. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance agricultural productivity and expand trade opportunities. These overarching goals are supported by several specific objectives, including improving farmers’ access to competitive markets, promoting market-based pricing systems, ensuring access to agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, encouraging the use of appropriate technologies, and developing infrastructure needed for handling and distributing agricultural goods. Collectively, these objectives aim to create sustainable agricultural systems that can meet domestic needs while integrating into global markets. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with a total estimated program funding of 226 million dollars and individual awards ranging from 28 million to 35 million dollars. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it more accessible to a wide range of applicants. Funds are not directly disbursed as cash grants but are instead realized through the monetization of donated commodities, with proceeds supporting programmatic activities such as training, infrastructure development, and market system improvements. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities as defined under federal regulations. These include governments of emerging agricultural countries, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, nonprofit agricultural organizations or cooperatives, nongovernmental organizations, colleges and universities, and other private entities. This inclusive eligibility structure reflects the program’s emphasis on partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to achieve development outcomes. The application process requires submission through official federal systems, with detailed instructions and supporting documentation available in the full announcement and related materials. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed activities align with the program’s strategic objectives and statutory requirements. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the summary, proposals are generally assessed based on their potential to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen market systems, and support sustainable economic development in target countries. The current funding opportunity was posted on May 21, 2026, with applications due by July 6, 2026. There is no indication of a rolling or recurring cycle within the provided information, and applicants must adhere strictly to the stated deadline. Questions and technical assistance are available through the program’s designated contact, Ingrid Ardjosoediro, who serves as Director of the International Food Assistance Division. The program represents a significant federal investment in global agricultural development, aligning U.S. foreign assistance with economic growth and market expansion goals.